The Regional Connectivity Program (RCP) is an Australian Government grants program that funds the delivery of 'place-based' telecommunications infrastructure projects to improve digital connectivity across regional, rural and remote Australia. The RCP is supported by co-contributions from state, territory and local governments, as well as grantees and other third parties.
Under Rounds 1, 2 and 3, a total of $370.3 million (GST inclusive) has been awarded towards up to 298 place‑based communications projects, providing regional communities with significant upgrades to voice and data services. Funded projects include new and improved mobile voice and data coverage, fixed wireless and fibre broadband services, and improved microwave and fibre backhaul capacity to locations across regional, rural and remote Australia.
The status of the projects is at Regional Connectivity Program rollout update—Rounds 1 to 3.
For more information about the RCP see the Regional Connectivity Program's FAQs page.
Mapping tool
Our interactive mapping tool lets you search for projects funded under the RCP in your area.
Information on the map is updated quarterly and as the program reaches major milestones, such as new funding outcomes.
Round 3
On 11 December 2023, the former Minister for Communications, the Hon Michelle Rowland MP, announced the outcomes of the combined grant opportunity for Round 3 of the RCP and Round 7 of the Mobile Black Spot Program (the MBSP).
Under RCP Round 3, $115.2 million (GST inclusive) was awarded to deliver 74 place-based telecommunications infrastructure projects across regional and remote Australia. Of this, $41.2 million was awarded to 25 projects to improve connectivity solutions in First Nations communities, supporting the government’s commitment to improving digital connectivity for First Nations people. Seven of these projects, valued at $7.1 million, will be delivered in Central Australia.
This funding will leverage a total investment of up to $191.8 million (GST inclusive) for the delivery of these projects across Australia.
This Round is funded under the government's Better Connectivity Plan for Regional and Rural Australia.
Additional information:
- Round 3 Regional Connectivity Program—funded projects
- Regional Connectivity Program Round 3 (with Mobile Black Spot (Round 7) opportunities) Grant Opportunity Guidelines
Round 2
Round 2 of the RCP awarded up to $137.2 million (GST inclusive) towards 93 projects to improve telecommunications infrastructure in regional and remote Australia. This includes funding of $69.6 million for projects through the Connecting Northern Australia initiative (CNA initiative) and funding of $67.6 million for projects in other parts of Australia.
This funding will leverage a total investment of up to $226.1 million (GST inclusive) for the delivery of these projects across Australia.
Additional information:
- Round 2 Regional Connectivity Program—funded projects
- Regional Connectivity Program Round 2 Grant Opportunity Guidelines
Round 1
Round 1 of the RCP awarded up to $117.8 million (GST inclusive) to deliver 131 place-based telecommunications infrastructure projects across regional and remote Australia.
This funding will leverage a total investment of up to $232.5 million (GST inclusive) for the delivery of these projects across Australia.
Additional information:
- Round 1 Regional Connectivity Program—funded projects
- Regional Connectivity Program Round 1 Grant Opportunity Guidelines
Contacts
Email: RegionalConnectivity@communications.gov.au
Regional Connectivity Program
GPO Box 594
Canberra ACT 2601